Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Brighton, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.1% cheaper than Brighton, CO. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Brighton, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Brighton, CO, you'd need approximately $149,952.566 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Brighton, CO and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 1.6% more expensive than in Brighton, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,556/month in Brighton, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Brighton, CO to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Brighton, CO to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $4 per month, or $47 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brighton, CO vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brighton, CO — COL adjusted from Denver, CO area + state data

Current salary in Brighton, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.95/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3.95

Savings

Annual Impact

$47.43

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Brighton, CO

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Brighton, CO

The Centennial State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 42K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brighton, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Brighton, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,372/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $117more	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$561/mo	↑ $58.24more	11.6%
🏠Housing	$2,744/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $44.15more	1.6%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$963/mo	↓ $33.89less	3.4%
🏥Healthcare	$612/mo	$589/mo	↓ $23.69less	3.9%
📦Other	$1,666/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $11.72more	0.7%

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.5%

Brighton, CO

$1,372

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$117

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.6%

Brighton, CO

$503

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$58.24

🏠Housing

↑ 1.6%

Brighton, CO

$2,744

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$44.15

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Brighton, CO

$997

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$33.89

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Brighton, CO

$612

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$23.69

less

📦Other

↑ 0.7%

Brighton, CO

$1,666

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$11.72

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,077

To$1,390

↑ $313

1 Bed

From$1,237

To$1,510

↑ $273

2 Bed

From$1,556

To$1,750

↑ $194

3 Bed

From$2,154

To$2,330

↑ $176

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,894

Monthly in Brighton, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$173

Difference

Home Values

Brighton

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$114

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Brighton, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Brighton, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.